Snorlax - XY Black Star Promo (Holo) [XY179]

Name: Snorlax - XY Black Star Promo (Holo) [XY179]
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

A Snorlax XY179 Black Star Promo Pokemon card with holographic art sitting on a wooden surface.

Estimated value

$15 - $35

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

SNORLAX - XY BLACK STAR PROMO (HOLO) [XY179]: IDENTIFICATION

This is a Snorlax Black Star Promo card released during the XY Era, specifically numbered XY179. The card features the classic Ken Sugimori artwork of Snorlax in a sitting position, utilizing a retro-style frame reminiscent of the 1999 Base Set. It possesses 130 HP, the 'Immunity' Ability, and the 'Body Slam' attack. The holographic pattern is a 'starfield' or galaxy foil, which was the standard for high-end promos during this 2016 production cycle.

Compare with other trading cards in the archive: Misty's Tears (Kasumi's Tears) - Gym Heroes (Japanese) [PSA 8], Smeargle - Super-Blazing Shock (Uncommon) [SM8-070/095], Mewtwo Japanese Promo Collection (CoroCoro & Vending Series).

SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN

Released in late 2016, this card was a promotional inclusion in the Snorlax-GX Box. It was specifically designed to evoke nostalgia by using the vintage 1999 card layout and font styles to coincide with the Pokémon 20th Anniversary celebrations and the release of the 'Evolutions' expansion set. Unlike the original Jungle set Snorlax, this version has updated HP and attack scaling to remain relevant in the 2016 competitive meta.

COLLECTOR INTEL

While this card uses the classic 1999 artwork, the HP was increased from the original's 90 HP to 130 HP to match modern power levels.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%

CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 155 trading cards items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Moderate production runs
Common at estate sales
Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

Correct font kerning for the 2016 legal text
Holographic pattern is consistent with genuine galaxy foil of that era
Correct set symbol for XY Promos in the bottom right corner

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

Identification is near-certain due to the clear visibility of the card number and set symbol. Valuation and grade are estimated based on visible edge damage.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Set identifier 'XY179' confirms it is the 2016 Snorlax-GX Box promo.
2Galaxy foil pattern contains the distinct 'star' and 'circle' shapes unique to official TPCi printing.
3The 130 HP stat differentiates it from the 1999 original (90 HP) and the Evolutions reprint (likely another variant).
4Visible edge wear on the yellow border (silvering) confirms the card is 'raw' and handled.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Heavy edge wear significantly caps the market value compared to Gem Mint copies.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth and take a photgraph under direct light to check for 'scuffing' or 'clouding' on the holo.
→Take a high-resolution photo of the back of the card to check for whitening, which is the primary factor in PSA grading.

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 4-5

Grading breakdown

Significant whitening is visible on the edges appearing as 'silvering' against the yellow border. The bottom right corner has clear impact wear, and centering appears slightly heavy toward the bottom.

Condition

Visual evidence indicates significant silvering and edge wear along the right and bottom borders. The top right corner shows a possible minor crease or heavy blunting. Surface reflects light well but appears to have minor horizontal micro-scratching on the holo foil.